BROOKFIELD, Ct. - It was a very simple recruiting process for Matt McDowell, who is now a University of Connecticut commit.

“It went super fast, it only took six months,” the incoming sophomore at Brookfield High School explained about his recruitment “They started seeing me freshman year of high school.”

There was a lot that caught the attention of the coaches with the Big East Conference school.

“They definitely liked my athletic frame,” the 6-2 180-pounder related. “They also liked my attitude and maturity.”

That is just the start of what stood out about the top-ranked 2025 shortstop in New England, a two-way prospect at the next level.

“I was up to 89 at a showcase with them,” noted McDowell. “That was the main thing that brought me to the scholarship level. I’m very versatile and can play multiple positions.”

For now, the 235th-rated 2025 in the nation will have an opportunity to play shortstop and pitch.

“It’s still early in the process, but I want to be two-way and they believe in me as a two-way,” McDowell said. “I think I can bring hitting, defense and pitching to the program.”

Making a commitment to the university an hour from home is, admittedly, a bit inconceivable for the 15-year-old.

“UConn is such a great school, and they have a great baseball program,” McDowell pointed out. “They have amazing coaches, the facilities are top notch and they have good academics to go along with it.

“I love baseball, it’s such an amazing sport, and I can’t believe I’m going to play it in college,” McDowell continued. “In eighth grade I went to a PBR and after that I have had a lot of opportunities. I went to the Junior Future Games and that helped me believe I could be a great player.”

McDowell had more good to say about what helped his college recruitment.

“I went to a lot of PBRs and performed well at most of them,” McDowell said. “Without PBR I wouldn't have had the exposure and UConn probably wouldn’t have seen me.”

His father also played a major role in getting where he is today in the sport.

“My dad practices with me every day,” McDowell said. “He’s coached for 30 years running a summer program that I’m in. He’s really helped me with the little things.”

Making a commitment before starting 10th grade in high school was not a difficult decision according to the left-handed hitting McDowell.

“I just got a really great offer,” related McDowell, who did not talk with any other college during his recruitment. “UConn has been my dream school since I was little so it’s nice to be able to play there.”

McDowell believes it will be beneficial on both ends.

“I want to challenge myself,” McDowell said. “I think I can help UConn get to Omaha and win the College World Series.”

But improvement is needed to make that happen.

“I need to fill out, get stronger and gain more weight,” McDowell explained. “That will help with velos. I feel speed is the key for me now. If I can get faster, I’ll be a better baseball player in general.”

With a college major still unknown, the 4.1 student is grateful to have his future taking shape.

“It was a very exciting feeling to commit, I still can’t believe I’ve done it at such a young age,” McDowell said. “I’m going to a very good Division I school for baseball and it’s amazing to have this opportunity.”

The second-rated 2025 in New England has high expectations about what college will be like.

“This is going to be such a great experience going to watch soccer and some of the other sports there,” McDowell concluded. “I’m just a big sports guy and I love all of them. I’m definitely looking forward to this.”